I was on the fence. I didn’t think this would work. I wasn’t the only one. I first heard of the large baseball and softball complex coming to our area many moons back. It was a big project. MASSIVE. I was super jealous. I followed in the papers and listened to what my friends at Wegmans had to say. The rumors were true. It was in the works. I drove by the Maynard Street exit on 220 every day for the next several years. Not much was going on, and then all of a sudden. BOOM. They did it. Incredible. Seven beautiful turf fields. Pavilions. Lights. Overnight, it seemed. We had something cool.
I reached out to my friends to see if we could chat. I was asked to write a story on the new LUMBER YARDS of Williamsport. I had a chance to see the facility in the flesh. Oh my. Words don’t do it justice. Again. This place is just splendid — a baseball and softball paradise. Outstanding. I arrived a little early and walked around some. The folks from Halliburton gave me some love. I stepped on one of the fields and smiled. It brought me back to my playing days. Then someone asked me a question. EXCUSE ME, SIR. CAN I HELP YOU?
I gave him a quick rundown. Told him I was here to meet Jason Fink and Crosscutters Gabe. Then I told him a quick story. You know, I was never a great player. I gave up baseball in high school. It wasn’t my decision. But I would have liked to have had the chance. To stare down a pitcher who was in the stretch. Just once. To stare him down when he gets ready to throw. Give him a wink. Make him think that you know something he doesn’t. That is what I wish for. Chance to squint at the sky so blue that it hurts your eyes. To feel the tingling in your arms when you make contact. To run the bases. Stretch a single into a double. And flop face-first into second. Hearing the roars. Wrap my arms around the bag and call time. That is my wish. Is this the right place? THE MAN WAS GONE.
“We needed another big attraction,” Gabe Sinicropi of the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau said. “Williamsport and Lycoming County are fantastic places, but we were looking for one more venue to make us an overnight destination. This all started many years back. We got together and pitched some ideas. We are the home of Little League Baseball. A large baseball and softball complex was a perfect fit. We began our research and made some calls. Several people were involved. The LUMBER YARDS will bring so much to our community. We anticipate big things.”
“This project was a total group effort,” Jason Fink, the Williamsport/Lycoming County Chamber CEO and president, shared. “I sit here and look back at where we were when we originally pitched the idea. We wanted to create something that the entire area would be proud of. This complex will give us a boost in terms of additional developments. It has already impacted many others who are coming in. This did not happen overnight. A great deal of strategic planning and study occurred. We secured the funding and found our site. The LUMBER YARDS were gaining momentum when the pandemic hit. We had to regroup and seek more funds. Yes. There were several bumps. But I mean, this place is incredible. We took a chance. But it was an educated and strategic move. We did our homework.”
Both Jason and Gabe were very important in bringing this to light. I can’t give them enough credit. Especially Jason. My man saw it through. He actually did it. The amount of planning and preparation was unreal. They, with the help of many other organizations, created a premier outdoor baseball and softball destination in the heart of Williamsport. A 28-acre complex featuring six lighted synthetic turf fields, a convertible collegiate-size field, and modern concessions and hospitality spaces. An unbelievable asset to the community. Designed for athletes, fans, and their families. It is happening. Opening soon. This used to be a brown field. An old, abandoned, and unused site. Now it is home to the LUMBER YARDS. Bravo. Well done. Sign me up. Big business. Huge opportunities. Tons of folks will come to our region. I am not kidding.
People will come, Jay. They’ll come to Williamsport for reasons they can’t even fathom. They’ll show up in our driveways, not knowing for sure what they are doing. They’ll arrive at our doors as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won’t mind if you look around. They will pass over money without even thinking about it, for it is money they have and peace they lack. People will come, Jay. The one constant throughout the past few years has been travel baseball and softball. I am not kidding. We are now a major player. It reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again. Oh. People will come, Jay. People will most definitely come. Bravo.
“We have a full slate of tournaments and events this summer,” Adam McCann, the District General Manager of Eastern Sports Management, continued. “We are getting down to the wire for our first outing. Many have partnered in this project. The initial response and buzz have been great. We are so much more than just a place to hold weekend tournaments. We have several camps and training sessions for all ages. Baseball. Softball. Flag Football. Speed Training. You name it. Our facility is really taking shape. We are even going to try to do some adult leagues. We will have a large concession stand, Pro Shop, a beautiful playground, and other top-notch accommodations. The LUMBER YARDS will rival any destination on the East Coast.”
Built to host baseball and softball tournaments, youth and adult leagues, clinics, camps, and special events, the LUMBER YARDS will deliver year-round competition, player development, and community connection, creating unforgettable game-day experiences each spring, summer, and fall. Beautiful. There is a major buzz, folks. It is time to get on board. Please take a look at their website to learn more. williamsportlumberyards.com. Fantastic venue. You will have to see it for yourselves. I am still amazed that they pulled it off.
“381 teams have already booked,” Mike Davis, ESM Program Director, explained. “We are using an online platform to register and sign up for our weekend tournaments. I have heard from travel baseball and softball teams from all over the US. We have large groups from Maine, New Hampshire, and even Arizona that are coming in. We are so very excited to get things moving. This is an awesome facility, and it will be a busy place. I wish we had something like this when I was a kid. There will be so much that we offer. Tons of opportunities for kids and even grownups.”
Special thanks to Gabe Sinicropi, Jason Fink, Adam McCann, and Mike Davis for taking the time. I really enjoyed getting to know and seeing more of the new facility. This is a fantastic venue that will bring many new folks to our outstanding region. Please join me in welcoming these travelers to our beautiful county. I am expecting big things from the LUMBER YARDS. It turned out amazing. Kudos and best of luck to everyone who is involved. Okay. I had my doubts. But now I am a full believer. A travel baseball and softball hub belongs in Williamsport. Well done, boys and girls. Cheers.
